Hi dave, I don't have anything on the preamps or limiter, I have a later model preamp using 9 pin valves instead of octals, but no documentation. I do however have a complete manual for the consolette and it's power supply and monitor amp. I have s/n 14 consolette, a touch older than yours, would you like me to make you a copy ? Drop me a line, I'd be most happy to help get another one going. I am doing a visit to some of our older regional transmitter sites in the next few weeks,a veritable treasure trove of forgotten broadcast relics so I'll look out for more info

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Alastair ReynoldsBroadcast Radio EngineerMaster of the Dark Arts (Broadcast)

Shall do , I know I have a lot of AWA BIG-1 limiters still in service at the AM sites, you just can't kill them, that and a bunch of Byer/Rola 77 decks.I'm starting on site upgrades and rebuilds of PIE (Program Input Equipment) racks and solid state transmitters to replace the old valve transmitters. This mainly for energy efficiency reasons, an 87% efficient SS transmitter that runs cool as opposed to a 30% efficient Valve TX that require a lot of cooling. About 1/4 of the cost to run and you don't have to swap out the valves every 3 months- Very expensive and they have a tendency to let go after a lightning strike and then the plates catch fire and it all turns to poo....

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Alastair ReynoldsBroadcast Radio EngineerMaster of the Dark Arts (Broadcast)

Alastair Reynolds wrote:Hi dave, I don't have anything on the preamps or limiter, I have a later model preamp using 9 pin valves instead of octals, but no documentation. I do however have a complete manual for the consolette and it's power supply and monitor amp. I have s/n 14 consolette, a touch older than yours, would you like me to make you a copy ? Drop me a line, I'd be most happy to help get another one going. I am doing a visit to some of our older regional transmitter sites in the next few weeks,a veritable treasure trove of forgotten broadcast relics so I'll look out for more info

Thanks Alistair, any info on the consolette would be very much appreciated. I couldn't find a model or serial number on my unit. It uses EF86 and 6AU6 valves.

Feel free to call in to my warehouse if your travels take you anywhere near Wagga Wagga.

Alistair, I recognise those big ceramic transmission valves: I used to have the job at AWA of rebuilding the filaments with an arc welder.When they were put back together and the vacuum process began, it was good seeing the old ammeter needle climb up to 300 amps, but rather disconcerting knowing that the operator was an ex-butcher from Oberon, who knew zilch about electronics, but knew where the needle was supposed to stop. It was an interesting place, with glass blowers, zinc and chrome platers (a lot of bumper bars went through those trays) and vacuum machines, and all the machinery was pre-war - mostly treadle-operated.